Curt this amazing and I can't tell you how much I appreciate your sharing this information. I would love to install a rooftop deck and wondered about your thoughts of my putting raised rails around the panels to support the weight of a tambour for part of panel section. Of course the panels would have to be down and I realize that I would get not power while the panels are covered. The tambour deck would only be large enough for my wife and I (both under 200lbs) to sit on and not make an entire surface deck. Thanks again for this great contribution to van living.
Another advantage of your system is extra protection form the heat since sun can't directly operate on the roof of your van. Great videos. Thanks for taking time to share. Appreciate it.
Your channel is the number one source for stuff that a lot of people do but nobody really explains. Thanks for that! I just got my 4x 340w panels delivered today. Will try to get them tilted on my box van. Question: have you thought about adding some sort of a wind sensor to automatically tilt them down if a storm comes up?
Thanks man... Glad the videos help! Make sure you keep us updated on how the install is going! Solar panel delivery day is an exciting one! We did not consider a wind sensor... We never plan to leave them tilted while away from the van. But, we think it sounds awesome... Let us know if you give it a try!
You would I’ve to have 2 separate racks to be able to tilt both ways. One would tilt the panels left and one would tilt one set of liters and rack to the right. Like a double stack setup.
This is a great plan. I liked it when I saw your first video, but was concerned about the height. I am now looking at adding an attic to our van build. Some questions... Has the extra height, 10 feet instead of 9 feet, been a problem for catching wind when driving or hitting bridges or canopies? What did you use for the black side panels? Have you found the 1" x 1" 8020 aluminum strong enough for this construction? Thanks for sharing your experiences and knowledge. It is very helpful to us.
Hi Richard! We've only had to turn around at low bridges twice... Way off the beaten path, so no traffic to worry about... And they were easy to get around. That bring said, you just have to stay aware! Most obstacles that we can't fit under are low enough that a van without the attic wouldn't fit either. We have a wind deflector in the front, which I think is a must... Other than that, the wind is manageable. At least it has been for us. When we out it in a shipping container (we are taking it around the world), we will have to take the attic off... But we knew this when we built it, do Curt did his best to make that as painless as possible. It will be a big deal, but to us, the added storage is worth it!
Snow & Curt thank you for sharing this. The plan for our van build is to also have an attic so this is good encouragement. We are enjoying our adventure videos as well. Keep them coming.
@@rreichard Were you able to build your attic? I'm curious to hear how others have approached this. I'm a bit surprised to not see this feature built on other vans (on TH-cam).
Didn't know where to post this question, but as it relates to the Attic, around the world adventures.. Have you figured out how to handle shipping your van across ANY of the oceans. I've looked at the DOOR height on High Cube containers. they are 101" tall. A medium roof ProMaster is 99" let some air out of the tires and apply vaseline. I'm gonna copy your attic, but make it reasonably removable, say in half a day. So that it can ship IN a container instead of a cost prohibitive RoRo ship where stuff can/will get stolen. I've also heard of people building a set of Steel wheels, only an inch or two, to allow the vehicle to drive 20 feet into and out of the container.. Change the tires in front of the door to the container. drive in, put your tires and attic in behind the vehicle.
Ours is "somewhat" removable... But hang in there about one more month and you will see is ship the van from Panama to Colombia! We will document the whole process!
Hi Curt, probably a stupide question but how did you wired the 2 actuators so it is in serie? I have all the material you are mentioning and want to install them coming weekend on the roof. Great idea, I really love it, hope you can show me a diagram..... Thanks again for your great video's
Hey you two, several of my friends and I are now watching you YAY! We want to know where you got those shower doors? Looked on your Amazon list but didn't see them listed.
How heavy is the box with the solar panels? Does it make your van top heavy? I love the design and would love to do this. ( can’t wait for your build blueprints). I am just worried about making the van top heavy. My old van is a 91 coachman and the Useless AC on the top seems to make it top heavy. Also I wonder which fans are lower profile I would like to put in two fans.
top heacy at all. Curt could lift the box frame by hisself, without side door panels or solar panels... but the side panel doors are not heavy at all, they are lightweight sheet metal. The van does not feel top heavy at all!
We have a lightweight telescoping ladder that easily fits into the garage. You will find more on it in our amazon store: www.amazon.com/shop/snowandcurt
Hey there, So happy I found you two! look forward to following you around the world. Could you please explain how you mounted the rack you built to the roof? did you use the factory mercedes rail or?? Thanks Melanie
Welcome to the journey!! We had such an amazing response to our Van Build that we put together a Van Build Workshop that includes detailed van plans and resources to build a van like ours! Here is the link: www.VanBuildWorkshop.com Thanks for tuning in melanie collins... CHEERS!
Do you use the solar tilt very often? Please answer honestly. I'm debating whether to incorporate it into my design. I asked some of the vanlifers who have solar tilts and they said they mostly keep them shut cause they're afraid of people stealing from their attic.
We tile the solar quite often in the morning time when we have ran the AC a bit over night... helps us to juice our batteries back up a bit quicker. We do not ever leave the van with the solar panels tilted... not just for the possibility of someone stealing stuff from our attic, but what if a storm with some heavy winds came! But, yes, we use the tilting solar!
@@SnowAndCurt Thanks for your reply. Here's my idea to solve both problems. I think I'd make an aluminum security bar gate and piano hinge it inbetween the solar tilt and the top of the base it rests on. Then just add a rubber coated lock so it doesn't rattle. In case of a storm that could damage your solar lid & its hinges, maybe add a wind sensor to automatically close just like the new awnings retract. What do you think Kurt?
The box is not air or water tight, by design. Air does get in. And each metal panel on the side can be opened via a key lock and hinges if you want extra flow. But, we've had no problems with air flow.
Do your a la carte ($79 dollars) attic box plans have the exact dimensions of the box as well as materials and how to attach to the van? Or is that only in the deluxe package?
The a la carte set should have you covered... Detailed plan drawings and a copy of the invoice where we bought our 80/20. But, if you have detailed questions along the way... The private Facebook group (where Curt posts answers to questions) is part of the deluxe package.
Curt installed a 110 outlet in the garage specifically to charge the bikes. Works perfect... Also a lil cubby to keep the chargers stored nicely right by the outlet. We love our rad minis!
We have 2 maxx air fans. The roof attic box is built to fit perfectly over them when they are fully open. The attic is not air tight and the fans work perfectly when the attic is closed. We thought about adding vents to the attic to help with circulation, but we have not needed it.
th-cam.com/video/dBn9GywiSWg/w-d-xo.html Curt did a vid a while back... And he's working on a follow up to answer some more questions. It's a proair 12v undermount.
While I like the idea of raising the panels, either manually and especially motorized, it should be obvious that the panels are great for wind sailing..... At least until they are ripped off by unexpected wind gusts.. Your neighbor will love the new but damaged solar panels, unless they have been propelled through his windshield or into his Pina Colada..!! LOL!..
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![VAN LIFE BREAK DOWN [What's Wrong with the Van?]](/img/tr.png)
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Curt this amazing and I can't tell you how much I appreciate your sharing this information. I would love to install a rooftop deck and wondered about your thoughts of my putting raised rails around the panels to support the weight of a tambour for part of panel section. Of course the panels would have to be down and I realize that I would get not power while the panels are covered. The tambour deck would only be large enough for my wife and I (both under 200lbs) to sit on and not make an entire surface deck. Thanks again for this great contribution to van living.
Another advantage of your system is extra protection form the heat since sun can't directly operate on the roof of your van. Great videos. Thanks for taking time to share. Appreciate it.
Yep!!! 😎🚐
your video inspired us to build our roof box. when it's completed, I'll post pics for ya. well done sir!
Your a great teacher Curt, thanks mate
I agree with you (this is Snow)... The best part is, he really enjoys it too! Thanks for tuning in.
Your channel is the number one source for stuff that a lot of people do but nobody really explains. Thanks for that! I just got my 4x 340w panels delivered today. Will try to get them tilted on my box van. Question: have you thought about adding some sort of a wind sensor to automatically tilt them down if a storm comes up?
Thanks man... Glad the videos help! Make sure you keep us updated on how the install is going! Solar panel delivery day is an exciting one!
We did not consider a wind sensor... We never plan to leave them tilted while away from the van. But, we think it sounds awesome... Let us know if you give it a try!
Wow the sunflowers
they were great
Great video! Stay safe!
You stay safe too! Thanks for tuning in.
👍Excellent! Thanks. 💝
Thank you!!!
Is it okay that I clicked like before I even watched the video? lol
Of course it's ok... In fact, we highly encourage it! Lol!! Thanks for the love guys.
You would I’ve to have 2 separate racks to be able to tilt both ways. One would tilt the panels left and one would tilt one set of liters and rack to the right. Like a double stack setup.
Hi Curt, thanks for the great video! Did you build the box yourself or did it come prefab?
This is a great plan. I liked it when I saw your first video, but was concerned about the height. I am now looking at adding an attic to our van build. Some questions... Has the extra height, 10 feet instead of 9 feet, been a problem for catching wind when driving or hitting bridges or canopies? What did you use for the black side panels? Have you found the 1" x 1" 8020 aluminum strong enough for this construction? Thanks for sharing your experiences and knowledge. It is very helpful to us.
Hi Richard! We've only had to turn around at low bridges twice... Way off the beaten path, so no traffic to worry about... And they were easy to get around. That bring said, you just have to stay aware! Most obstacles that we can't fit under are low enough that a van without the attic wouldn't fit either.
We have a wind deflector in the front, which I think is a must... Other than that, the wind is manageable. At least it has been for us.
When we out it in a shipping container (we are taking it around the world), we will have to take the attic off... But we knew this when we built it, do Curt did his best to make that as painless as possible. It will be a big deal, but to us, the added storage is worth it!
Snow & Curt thank you for sharing this. The plan for our van build is to also have an attic so this is good encouragement. We are enjoying our adventure videos as well. Keep them coming.
I was Thinking that nearly all Class B RV's have a Roof mounted Air conditioner which is probably about 12 inches High so probably not a problem?
Curt is editing the "how to build an attic" video right now! Stay tuned... Should be out Sunday or Monday!
@@rreichard Were you able to build your attic? I'm curious to hear how others have approached this. I'm a bit surprised to not see this feature built on other vans (on TH-cam).
Didn't know where to post this question, but as it relates to the Attic, around the world adventures.. Have you figured out how to handle shipping your van across ANY of the oceans. I've looked at the DOOR height on High Cube containers. they are 101" tall. A medium roof ProMaster is 99" let some air out of the tires and apply vaseline. I'm gonna copy your attic, but make it reasonably removable, say in half a day. So that it can ship IN a container instead of a cost prohibitive RoRo ship where stuff can/will get stolen. I've also heard of people building a set of Steel wheels, only an inch or two, to allow the vehicle to drive 20 feet into and out of the container.. Change the tires in front of the door to the container. drive in, put your tires and attic in behind the vehicle.
Ours is "somewhat" removable... But hang in there about one more month and you will see is ship the van from Panama to Colombia! We will document the whole process!
Curt perhaps you should also say the more angle you add to the actuator, the less powerful it need to be (and probably also the less expensive)...
Yep... You are correct... Thanks for pointing that out!
Hi Curt, probably a stupide question but how did you wired the 2 actuators so it is in serie? I have all the material you are mentioning and want to install them coming weekend on the roof. Great idea, I really love it, hope you can show me a diagram.....
Thanks again for your great video's
Hey you two, several of my friends and I are now watching you YAY! We want to know where you got those shower doors? Looked on your Amazon list but didn't see them listed.
Thanks for sharing!!!!! The doors are from www.stoett.com/.
@@SnowAndCurt Thank you!
How heavy is the box with the solar panels? Does it make your van top heavy? I love the design and would love to do this. ( can’t wait for your build blueprints). I am just worried about making the van top heavy. My old van is a 91 coachman and the Useless AC on the top seems to make it top heavy.
Also I wonder which fans are lower profile I would like to put in two fans.
top heacy at all. Curt could lift the box frame by hisself, without side door panels or solar panels... but the side panel doors are not heavy at all, they are lightweight sheet metal. The van does not feel top heavy at all!
How much did it cost to build the box the solar panels go on?
Do you have a ladder that attaches to the attic area for access? Love all your videos!
We have a lightweight telescoping ladder that easily fits into the garage. You will find more on it in our amazon store:
www.amazon.com/shop/snowandcurt
Are you still gonna make a video showing how to build this?
Hey there, So happy I found you two! look forward to following you around the world. Could you please explain how you mounted the rack you built to the roof? did you use the factory mercedes rail or?? Thanks Melanie
Welcome to the journey!!
We had such an amazing response to our Van Build that we put together a Van Build Workshop that includes detailed van plans and resources to build a van like ours! Here is the link: www.VanBuildWorkshop.com Thanks for tuning in melanie collins... CHEERS!
Do you use the solar tilt very often? Please answer honestly.
I'm debating whether to incorporate it into my design. I asked some of the vanlifers who have solar tilts and they said they mostly keep them shut cause they're afraid of people stealing from their attic.
We tile the solar quite often in the morning time when we have ran the AC a bit over night... helps us to juice our batteries back up a bit quicker. We do not ever leave the van with the solar panels tilted... not just for the possibility of someone stealing stuff from our attic, but what if a storm with some heavy winds came! But, yes, we use the tilting solar!
@@SnowAndCurt Thanks for your reply. Here's my idea to solve both problems.
I think I'd make an aluminum security bar gate and piano hinge it inbetween the solar tilt and the top of the base it rests on. Then just add a rubber coated lock so it doesn't rattle.
In case of a storm that could damage your solar lid & its hinges, maybe add a wind sensor to automatically close just like the new awnings retract.
What do you think Kurt?
Thanks for all of the information you share! How are your light bars holding up, would you purchase the same brand again?
Yes we would... We've had no issues with them!
Well done my friend. Question, is there any opening on the box like on the sides to let in fresh air for the fans to suck it in?
The box is not air or water tight, by design. Air does get in. And each metal panel on the side can be opened via a key lock and hinges if you want extra flow. But, we've had no problems with air flow.
Do your a la carte ($79 dollars) attic box plans have the exact dimensions of the box as well as materials and how to attach to the van? Or is that only in the deluxe package?
The a la carte set should have you covered... Detailed plan drawings and a copy of the invoice where we bought our 80/20. But, if you have detailed questions along the way... The private Facebook group (where Curt posts answers to questions) is part of the deluxe package.
@@SnowAndCurt Thank you.
3am watching your videos and wondering how do you charge your rad mini bike?
Great video and content. 👍👍
Curt installed a 110 outlet in the garage specifically to charge the bikes. Works perfect... Also a lil cubby to keep the chargers stored nicely right by the outlet. We love our rad minis!
Do you not have attic fans? if you do and im just not seeing them then how does the box affect the airpull?
We have 2 maxx air fans. The roof attic box is built to fit perfectly over them when they are fully open. The attic is not air tight and the fans work perfectly when the attic is closed. We thought about adding vents to the attic to help with circulation, but we have not needed it.
Hello. What AC do have in the Van?
th-cam.com/video/dBn9GywiSWg/w-d-xo.html
Curt did a vid a while back... And he's working on a follow up to answer some more questions. It's a proair 12v undermount.
Can i buy yer schematics?
www.VanBuildWorkshop.com
You can buy full plans... Or bits and pieces! 😁
While I like the idea of raising the panels, either manually and especially motorized, it should be obvious that the panels are great for wind sailing..... At least until they are ripped off by unexpected wind gusts.. Your neighbor will love the new but damaged solar panels, unless they have been propelled through his windshield or into his Pina Colada..!! LOL!..
Ha! Clearly we put them down and secure the safety latch during wind! Cheers!!